Behind the scenes with Kobe and Sasha

a glimpse into what it’s like to be on this advanced-chemistry team – and how Bryant has evolved into the guys’ guy that everyone said he wasn’t.

Here’s how it went down …

Bryant has an icepack wrapped around his right knee, standing by the door that leads from the practice court toward the Lakers’ locker room. He is done offering assurances about his health and is just chit-chatting with reporters.

Sasha Vujacic has been on the court long after organized team practice ended, doing extensive shooting to make up for time missed because of his injured left ankle. Vujacic has an appointment with a foot specialist in the morning to get the “green light,” but he’s already pushing hard on the accelerator.

Flush with that fulfilled feeling of workout done hard, Vujacic does one last thing as he nears Bryant and the exit door of the court. His reversible white jersey already soaked through with sweat, the extra tape on his left ankle visibly peeking up out of his sock, Vujacic pauses to grab a loose ball and throw up a 50-foot hook shot. It misses.

Bryant scoffs. He laughs. He says it wasn’t even close.

In man code, this is not an arbitrary comment. It is a direct challenge.